Saturday Night Live has restructured its talent department following the departure of longtime music booker Brian Siedlecki, who did not have his contract renewed after three decades with the show. Keri Powers, who has been with SNL since 2014, has been promoted to sole head of the talent department, giving her responsibility for booking hosts, musical guests and guest stars. Rebecca Schwartz, another long-serving member of the team since 2015, has also been promoted to producer to expand her role in supporting the cast and production.

The shake-up comes as the show prepares for its 52nd season with multiple cast changes. Departing cast members include Chloe Fineman, who left after seven years to pursue a David E. Kelley television opportunity, and Martin Herlihy from the comedy group Please Don't Destroy. This follows significant cast attrition from the previous season, with Bowen Yang and others including Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim exiting beforehand. The new season launches with NBA star Jalen Brunson as the opening host and KATSEYE as musical guest, alongside new featured cast members Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter.